My Sister’s 1/2 Marathon

 

On Saturday my sister ran 13.2 miles in the Santa Barbara 1/2 Marathon here in California (US).  Enjoy the pictures and videos below!

We got up at 2:45am (holy cow!), picked up my mom and headed to Santa Barbara at about 3:30am.  As we neared the beautiful Santa Barbara coast, the fog was crazy.  But, we arrived safely just before 6:00am for the run that started at 7:00am.

After a quick nap in the car, it was time to get registered and ready to run.  I get so nervous before she runs. I suppose it’s because she’s my baby sister!   And this was the first time I’d seen her run this distance.

Once we finished a few family photos, we headed over to the starting line. My brother-in-law, son, and nephew had to carry me over two curbs because there were no cut outs. I get very frustrated when wheelchairs/disabilities aren’t even factored in for public events.  Anyway, I refocused on my sister and soon the guy on the bullhorn informed us that the run was about to start. We did an all hands in family cheer, gave her big kisses and she headed to the starting line.

Watching her get in the zone is amazing.  She gets really focused with her headphones on and bounces while walking back-and-forth.  It’s almost like she can’t hear anything. She’s usually off by herself as she zones in.  So cool to watch! Well, it was time to start the run and they were off!

Her husband/coach was concerned that she started in the front.  Having run with her in the past, he said starting in the front can create a tendency to keep up with the pack and start too fast.  This will definitely affect your overall pace.  We figured that she’d run her own race though. She’s not a rookie!

The 5-mile marker was at the same spot so we stayed at the starting line.  According to her husband/coach, we expected her back between 45 minutes and one hour. We all stood around yukking it up like our crazy family does and waited for her to get back. True to the timing she hit the 5-mile marker just before one hour. We cheered her on as her husband handed her a sports drink. He wanted to make sure her sugar and electrolytes stayed in balance for the remaining 7 miles. She was running strong and it was great to see her running so well. Then… it was time for us to eat while we waited to watch her finish!

They walked and I rolled over to the little beachside Café where the family loaded up on carbs. They had french toast, home fried potatoes, blueberry pancakes, breakfast burritos, and fruit. Of course, by now you know that I don’t eat very many simple carbs. I had an egg white veggie scramble with a little avocado. The only simple carbs that I tend to indulge in is when I eat pretzels (It’s my addiction, let ago). We all had loads of coffee because we were pretty tired from getting up so early.  We had a lot of fun eating together and teasing each other for many typical family reasons. My family teases me pretty hard about the way I eat. Of course, I don’t give in to the hysterical peer pressure. It truly is a lifestyle for me.

My brother-in-law told us that she would be finishing the whole run in about two hours and thirty 30 minutes. So after breakfast, we headed over to the finish line to watch her run in.  Again, true to the timing, we saw her approaching at about 2 hours and 40 minutes.

I am so proud of her and her ability to run these races and keep herself fit!  She will run a 10K or three before the end of the year.

Stay Tuned!